IL-6 and related cytokines as the critical lynchpins between inflammation and cancer

Effects of 17β-estradiol and estrogen receptor subtype-specific agonists on Jurkat E6.1 T-cell leukemia cells

BACKGROUND

Estrogen signaling plays a crucial role in immune regulation and cancer metabolism, yet its impact on T-cell leukemia remains unclear. In hematological malignancies, estrogen receptor (ER) activation may influence metabolic shifts that affect cell survival and proliferation. This study investigates the in vitro effects of 17β-estradiol and estrogen receptor subtype-specific agonists on Jurkat E6.1 T-cell leukemia cells.

PURPOSE

To assess how estrogen signaling influences metabolic reprogramming, inflammatory response, and survival pathways in Jurkat E6.1 cells through receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms.

METHODS

Jurkat E6.1 cells incubated with different concentrations of 17β-estradiol (10-12 M, 10-10 M, 10-8 M) or ER-α agonist 4,4',4″-(4-Propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (10-10 M, 10-8 M, 10-6 M) or ER-β agonist diarylproprionitrile (10-10 M, 10-8 M, 10-6 M) with and without non-specific antagonist ICI 182,780 (10-6 M). The metabolic enzyme activities of hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, and citrate synthase were measured in cell pellets, while supernatants were analyzed for IL-6 and nitric oxide (NO) production. Additionally, PI3K/Akt pathway activation was assessed by measuring p-Akt/Total Akt expression.

RESULTS

A shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation was observed on treatment with 17β-estradiol with significant decline in hexokinase activity and a concomitant increase in activities of pyruvate kinase and citrate synthase.

CONCLUSION

17β-estradiol mediates its effects on Jurkat E6.1 cells in vitro through receptor-subtype dependent and independent mechanisms involving metabolic enzymes (hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, citrate synthase), cytokines (IL-6), nitric oxide, and signaling molecules (p-Akt).

STING pathway activation with cisplatin polyprodrug nanoparticles for chemo-immunotherapy in ovarian cancer

Cisplatin serves as the cornerstone medication in ovarian cancer (OC) chemotherapy; however, numerous resistance factors exist, resulting in unsatisfactory clinical treatment outcomes. Concurrently, OC frequently establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which further exacerbates the challenges of cisplatin chemotherapy. Hence, it is particularly significant to explore a therapeutic approach capable of overcoming cisplatin resistance while reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment of OC. Here, we synthesized a novel cisplatin polyprodrug (PTP) containing thioketal units, which self-assembled with a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) small-molecule agonist (SR-717) to form redox-smart-responsive PTP@SR-717 nanoparticles (NPs), enabling synergistic chemo-immunotherapy. Specifically, PTP@SR-717 NPs enhanced the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin through three key mechanisms: (i) Pre-target factors: Enhancing intracellular cisplatin uptake and reducing GSH-mediated detoxification to promote platinum accumulation. (ii) On-target factors: Utilizing molecular damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) triggered by cisplatin to activate the STING pathway, thereby synergistically amplifying the STING-TBK1-IRF3 signaling and efficiently triggering an immune response. (iii) Post-target factors: Combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy to harness the immune system for tumor eradication. In conclusion, this study presents an effective approach to addressing the challenges associated with cisplatin in the clinical treatment of OC.

Trained immunity alleviates the progression of melanoma during sepsis-associated immunoparalysis

BACKGROUND

Patients who survive the excessive inflammatory phase of sepsis experience prolonged immunoparalysis/immunosuppression. During this phase, the patient's immune system is severely impaired, which increases the patient's susceptibility to septic complications. Sepsis survivors have a significantly greater incidence of cancer, but the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unknown.

METHODS

We constructed two sepsis-melanoma models to assess the relationship between sepsis and sepsis-related concomitant cancer. In our investigation, we employed a range of experimental technique to elucidate the intricate mechanisms through which the immunoparalysis phase of sepsis facilitates melanoma progression. Furthermore, we induced trained immunity with oroxylin A (OA) to evaluate its ability to reverse immunoparalysis and subsequent tumor progression in sepsis-melanoma models.

RESULTS

We showed that sepsis upregulated the serum level of interleukin (IL)-6 and the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulated G-MDSCs/M-MDSCs and inhibited CD8+T-cell function, which promoted melanoma progression. OA-induced trained immunity can reverse immunoparalysis, maintain the antitumor capacity of the immune system, and inhibit the development of sepsis-complicated melanoma. Notably, OA can target macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and downregulate the serum level of IL-6, which may be a crucial molecular mechanism by which OA induces trained immunity to reverse the immunoparalysis phase of sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Sepsis can promote cancer progression by upregulating MIF and IL-6, increasing the G-MDSCs/M-MDSCs ratio and reducing the number and function of CD8+ T cells, leading to immunoparalysis, while trained immunity can alleviate this progression. The findings of this study provide new strategies for preventing or treating sepsis-complicated cancer.

Establishment of a nomogram based on Lasso Cox regression for albumin combined with systemic immune-inflammation index score to predict prognosis in advanced pancreatic carcinoma

Purpose

The study aims to establish a nomogram to predict advanced pancreatic carcinoma patients' overall survival (OS), incorporating albumin combined with systemic immune-inflammation index (A-SII) score and clinical characteristics.

Methods

A retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 205 advanced pancreatic carcinoma patients without antitumor treatment from the Yancheng No.1 People's Hospital between October 2011 and June 2023, and the study divided patients into the training set and the validation set randomly at the proportion of three to one. The A-SII score was divided into scores of 0, 1, and 2 according to the different levels of albumin and SII. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and time-dependent area under the curve were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the A-SII score. The nomogram1 and nomogram2 were established by the multivariate Cox regression and Lasso Cox regression respectively. The study evaluated the discriminability of nomogram1 and nomogram2 based on C-index and ROC curves to obtain the optimal model. Subsequently, we plotted decision curve analyses (DCA) and calibration curves to estimate the clinical benefit and accuracy of nomogram2.

Results

Lasso Cox regression showed that A-SII score, number of organ metastases, tumor size, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, Neutrophil-to-albumin ratio, and lactate dehydrogenase were independent prognostic factors for the OS of advanced pancreatic carcinoma patients. The C-index and ROC curve of the nomogram2 are better than the nomogram1. Subsequently, the DCA and calibration curve of the nomogram2 demonstrate excellent performance.

Conclusion

The nomogram based on the A-SII score and other independent prognostic factors determined by Lasso Cox regression can accurately predict the OS of patients suffering from advanced pancreatic carcinoma.

Co-targeting BMI1 and MYC to eliminate cancer stem cells in squamous cell carcinoma

Bmi1+ tumor cells act as cancer stem cells (CSCs) driving relapse and therapy resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although BMI1 inhibitors reduce CSCs, combined cisplatin treatment targeting non-stem tumor cells is more effective in eliminating CSCs. Non-stem tumor cells may revert to CSCs post-treatment. However, in vivo evidence and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that BMI1 inhibitors induce temporary tumor regression followed by relapse. Lineage tracing reveals that keratin 16-marked non-stem tumor cells revert to Bmi1+ CSCs, which drive compensatory tumor growth after BMI1 targeting therapy. Mechanistically, BMI1 inhibitors activate DNA damage/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling and inflammatory cytokine secretion, subsequently stimulating myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) expression in non-stem tumor cells to promote the reversion process. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of MYC synergizes with BMI1 targeting, achieving sustained CSC eradication and relapse prevention. These findings provide insights into CSCs' plasticity and suggest dual BMI1/MYC blockade as an effective HNSCC treatment strategy.

To explore the potential combined treatment strategy for colorectal cancer: Inhibition of cancer stem cells and enhancement of intestinal immune microenvironment

BACKGROUND

The antibiotic salinomycin, a well-known cancer stem cell inhibitor, may impact the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) mice, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the immune system. This study explores the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of combining salinomycin and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating CRC.

METHODS

FMT was given via enema, while salinomycin was injected intraperitoneally into the CRC mouse model induced by azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate.

RESULTS

In CRC mice, a large number of LGR5-labeled cancer stem cells and severe disturbances in the intestinal microbiota were observed. Interestingly, salinomycin inhibited the proliferation of cancer stem cells without exacerbating the microbial disorder as expected. In comparison to salinomycin treatment, the combination of salinomycin and FMT significantly improved pathological damage and restored intestinal microbial diversity, which is responsible for shaping the anti-cancer immune microenvironment. The supplementation of FMT significantly increased the levels of propionic acid and butyric acid while also promoting the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and Ly6G+ neutrophils, as well as reducing F4/80+ macrophage recruitment. Notably, cytokines that were not impacted by salinomycin exhibited robust reactions to alterations in the gut microbiota. These included pro-inflammatory factors (IL6, IL12b, IL17, and IL22), chemokine-like protein OPN, and immunosuppressive factor PD-L1.

CONCLUSIONS

Salinomycin plays the role of "eliminating pathogenic qi," targeting cancer stem cells; FMT plays the role of "strengthening vital qi," reversing the intestinal microbiota disorder and enhancing anti-cancer immunity. They have a synergistic effect on the development of CRC.

Hepatic Growth Factor as a Potential Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Multimodal Study

(1) Background: Despite previous studies linking inflammatory cytokines to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), their causal mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and LUAD to fill this knowledge gap. (2) Methods: This study employs a comprehensive approach, integrating Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) data to investigate the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and LUAD. (3) Results: In forward MR analysis, elevated levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-5, monocyte chemoattractant protein-3, and monokine induced by interferon-γ were causally associated with an increased risk of LUAD. In reverse MR analysis, LUAD exhibited a positive causal relationship with the levels of regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor (RANTES) and stromal cell-derived factor-1α. The scRNA-seq data further identified specific cell populations that may influence LUAD onset and progression through the expression of particular inflammatory genes and intercellular communication. RNA-seq data analysis highlighted the role of the HGF gene in LUAD diagnosis, demonstrating its strong correlation with patient prognosis and immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. (4) Conclusions: The findings reveal a causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and LUAD, with HGF emerging as a potential biomarker of significant clinical relevance. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LUAD and lays the foundation for future therapeutic strategies.

Immunotherapy in advanced, KRAS G12C-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer: current strategies and future directions

Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations are present in up to 25% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). KRAS G12C is the most common type of mutation, representing approximately half of the cases in KRAS-mutant NSCLC. Mutations in KRAS activate the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, leading to increased cell proliferation and survival. Recent advances in drug development have led to the approval of KRAS G12C inhibitors sotorasib and adagrasib. This review explores the emerging therapeutic strategies in KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC, including dual checkpoint blockade and combinations with checkpoint inhibitors, with a focus on the setting of advanced disease.

Patient-reported symptom burden and circulating cytokines undergoing chemotherapy: a pilot study in patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the fluctuations of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and their relationships with cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer (OC).

METHODS

PROs burden was prospectively measured by the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Ovarian Cancer (MDASI-OC) at baseline before chemotherapy, on a daily basis during and post-chemotherapy days (PCD) 7, 14, and 20. Cytokines were collected at baseline, days prior to hospital discharge and PCD 20. Pearson correlation was used to explore the associations between PROs and cytokines levels in peripheral blood.

RESULTS

The top 8 rated symptoms were compared between the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) group (n=20) and the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (PAC) group (n=7). Before chemotherapy, the mean scores of fatigue and lack of appetite in the NACT group were higher than those in the PAC group. After chemotherapy, pain, nausea, vomiting, disturbed sleep, lack of appetite, and constipation increased to peak during PCD 2-6; while, fatigue and numbness or tingling remained at high levels over PCD 2-13. By PCD 20, disturbed sleep and fatigue showed a significant increase in mean scores, particularly in the NACT group; while, other symptom scores decreased and returned to baseline levels. Additionally, the longitudinal fluctuations in pain, fatigue, and lack of appetite were positively associated with circulating levels of interleukin-6 and interferon gamma (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

MDASI-OC was feasible and adaptable for demonstrating the fluctuations of symptom burden throughout chemotherapy course. Moreover, symptoms changing along with cytokines levels could provide clues for exploring mechanism underlying biochemical etiology.

Pollution profiles, pathogenicity, and toxicity of bioaerosols in the atmospheric environment of urban general hospital in China

Airborne microorganisms in hospitals present significant health risks to both patients and employees. However, their pollution profiles and associated hazards in different hospital areas remained largely unknown during the extensive use of masks and disinfectants. This study investigated the characteristics of bioaerosols in an urban general hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that airborne bacteria and fungi concentrations range from 87 ± 35 to 1037 ± 275 CFU/m3 and 21 ± 15 to 561 ± 132 CFU/m3, respectively, with the outpatient clinic and internal medicine ward showing the highest levels. The operating room (OR) and clinical laboratory (LA) had lower bioaerosol levels but higher microbial activities, suggesting that disinfection procedures used to clean bioaerosols may change them into a viable but non-culturable state. The dominant fungi were Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, while the most common viruses were human associated gemykibivirus 2 and human alpha herpesvirus 1. Besides, the dominant pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacitracin and macrolides resistance genes bacA and ermC were the most prevalent subtypes of antibiotic resistance genes. Compared to the control sample, hospital-acquired bioaerosols, particularly from the outpatient examination room and emergency room can trigger higher levels of inflammatory factors and cell toxicity but lower cell proliferation rates. Lower cell toxicity was observed in low-risk areas (intensive care unit, LA, and OR). This study provides a new method for assessing bioaerosol health risks and enhances understanding of nosocomial and opportunistic infections and their control.

Unveiling the link between chronic inflammation and cancer

The highly nuanced transition from an inflammatory process to tumorigenesis is of great scientific interest. While it is well known that environmental stimuli can cause inflammation, less is known about the oncogenic modifications that chronic inflammation in the tissue microenvironment can bring about, as well as how these modifications can set off pro-tumorigenic processes. It is clear that no matter where the environmental factors come from, maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment encourages carcinogenesis. In addition to encouraging angiogenesis and metastatic processes, sustaining the survival and proliferation of malignant transformed cells, and possibly altering the efficacy of therapeutic agents, inflammation can negatively regulate the antitumoral adaptive and innate immune responses. Because chronic inflammation has multiple pathways involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis, it has gained recognition as a marker of cancer and a desirable target for cancer therapy. Recent advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer's progression demonstrate that inflammation promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis while suppressing anti-tumor immunity. In many solid tumor types, including breast, lung, and liver cancer, inflammation stimulates the activation of oncogenes and impairs the body's defenses against the tumor. Additionally, it alters the microenvironment of the tumor. As a tactical approach to cancer treatment, these findings have underscored the importance of targeting inflammatory pathways. This review highlights the role of inflammation in cancer development and metastasis, focusing on its impact on tumor progression, immune suppression, and therapy resistance. It examines current anti-inflammatory strategies, including NSAIDs, cytokine modulators, and STAT3 inhibitors, while addressing their potential and limitations. The review emphasizes the need for further research to unravel the complex mechanisms linking inflammation to cancer progression and identify molecular targets for specific cancer subtypes.

Cooperative Hedgehog/GLI and JAK/STAT signaling drives immunosuppressive tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism via synergistic induction of IDO1 in skin cancer

BACKGROUND

Pharmacological targeting of Hedgehog (HH)/GLI has proven effective for certain blood, brain and skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, limited response rates and the development of drug resistance call for improved anti-HH therapies that take synergistic crosstalk mechanisms and immune evasion strategies into account. In previous work, we demonstrated that cooperation of HH/GLI and Interleukin 6 (IL6)/STAT3 signaling drives BCC growth. Whether synergistic HH-IL6 signaling promotes BCC via the activation of immune evasion mechanisms remained unclear.

METHODS

HH-IL6 regulated immunosuppressive genes such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) were identified by gene expression profiling. IDO1 expression was evaluated in human BCC and melanoma models by qPCR and Western blot analyses. The cis-regulatory region of IDO1 was interrogated for HH-IL6-regulated GLI and STAT transcription factor binding and epigenetic modifications by targeted chromatin-immunoprecipitation and bisulfite pyrosequencing. Functional analyses of the immunosuppressive effects of IDO1 involved HPLC-MS measurements of its metabolites and the assessment of T cell proliferation via flow cytometry. Bioinformatic analyses of GLI-STAT cooperation were conducted on published bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data of human BCC and melanoma patients.

RESULTS

We identified IDO1 as a target gene of cooperative GLI-STAT activity in BCC and melanoma. GLI1 and STAT3 transcription factors synergistically enhanced IDO1 expression by jointly binding to the cis-regulatory region of IDO1 and by increasing active chromatin marks at the histone level. In human melanoma cells, inhibition of GLI1 expression prevented the induction of IDO1 expression in response to IL6/STAT3 and IFNγ/STAT1 signaling. Pharmacological targeting of HH/GLI signaling reduced IDO1 expression, resulting in decreased production of the immunosuppressive metabolite kynurenine. Further, inhibition of GLI1 enhanced the efficacy of the selective IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat and rescued T cell proliferation by attenuating IDO1/kynurenine-mediated immunosuppression. Elevated expression of IDO1 correlated with active HH/GLI and JAK/STAT signaling in skin cancer patients supporting the clinical relevance of the mechanistic data presented.

CONCLUSIONS

These results identify the immunosuppressive IDO1-kynurenine pathway as a novel pro-tumorigenic target of oncogenic GLI and STAT1/STAT3 cooperation. Our data suggest simultaneous pharmacological targeting of these signaling axes as rational combination therapy in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Yinjia pills inhibits the malignant biological behavior of HeLa cells through PKM2-medicated inhibition of JAK/STAT3 pathway

Cervical cancer is one of the most common tumors in women and is a major problem in gynecological health. Studies have shown that Yinjia pills (YJP), a traditional Chinese medicine, can effectively slow the progression of cervical cancer. Therefore, this study mainly explored the molecular mechanism by which YJP delays the progression of cervical cancer. The expression level of PKM2 in cervical cancer was evaluated by the gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) database, and the prognostic value of the PKM2 gene was evaluated by the Kaplan‒Meier plotter database. HeLa cervical cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of YJP (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/mL). The levels of the inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. Cell proliferation activity, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assays and cell scratch experiment. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins. In this study, PKM2 was upregulated in both cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) and endometrial adenocarcinoma tissues, and a Kaplan‒Meier analysis showed that higher PKM2 expression was associated with lower patient survival. YJP inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner, promoted the apoptosis of HeLa cells, and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors. In addition, YJP inhibited the activation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway and the occurrence of EMT. Knockdown of PKM2 also inhibited the malignant biological behavior of HeLa cells, but overexpression of PKM2 weakened the inhibitory effect of YJP on the malignant biological behavior of HeLa cells. Angoline, a JAK/STAT3 pathway inhibitor, attenuated the effect of PKM2 overexpression on the efficacy of YJP. In conclusion, YJP can inhibit the activation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway by regulating PKM2, thereby inhibiting the malignant biological behavior of HeLa cells.

NF-κB signaling and the tumor microenvironment in osteosarcoma: implications for immune evasion and therapeutic resistance

Osteosarcoma, a highly aggressive malignancy with a generally poor prognosis, is characterized by tumor cells' ability to evade immune responses and resist treatment. The nuclear transcription factor NF-κB signaling pathway is crucial in regulating inflammatory and immune reactions. It occupies a central position in the development of the osteosarcoma tumor microenvironment. This research aimed to explore how NF-κB influences the recruitment and polarization of tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, both of which contribute to immunosuppression. Furthermore, NF-κB facilitates immune surveillance evasion in osteosarcoma cells by altering the expression of immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD-L1. It also enhances tumor cell resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by activating anti-apoptotic signaling pathways and exacerbating treatment-induced inflammation. Potential therapeutic approaches include using NF-κB inhibitors, possibly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, to overcome tumor cell resistance mechanisms and reshape antitumor immune responses. A thorough examination of NF-κB's role in osteosarcoma development is expected to yield novel clinical treatment strategies, and significantly improve patient prognosis by targeting this key signaling pathway.

Lidocaine Inhibits the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects Through the TLR-9/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway

Lung cancer represents a significant global health burden, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common subtype. The current standard of care for NSCLC has limited efficacy, highlighting the necessity for innovative treatment options. Lidocaine, traditionally recognized as a local anesthetic, has emerged as a compound with potential antitumor and anti-inflammatory capabilities. This study was designed to explore the impact of lidocaine on NSCLC cell proliferation and inflammation, particularly focusing on the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR)-9/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. A nude mice model of NSCLC was employed, with animals receiving lidocaine at different concentrations. In vitro experiments on A549 cells involved exposure to lidocaine, followed by assessment of cell viability, cytokine expression, and TLR-9 levels using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Protein levels were evaluated via Western blot analysis. Additionally, A549 cells were transfected with a TLR-9-overexpressing lentivirus to dissect the role of TLR-9 in lidocaine's mechanism of action. Treatment with lidocaine led to a significant reduction in tumor dimensions and a decrease in inflammatory marker expression in the NSCLC mouse model. In cellular assays, lidocaine effectively suppressed A549 cell proliferation and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The overexpression of TLR-9 partially negated the suppressive effects of lidocaine, underscoring the significance of the TLR-9/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in mediating lidocaine's effects. Lidocaine's inhibitory effects on NSCLC cell proliferation and its anti-inflammatory mechanisms are mediated through the TLR-9/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. The study's results offer promising insights into the therapeutic potential of lidocaine in NSCLC and pave the way for future investigations into its application in cancer therapy.

Interleukin-6 as a Pan-Cancer Prognostic Inflammatory Biomarker: A Population-Based Study and Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis

Purpose

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a central factor linking inflammation to cancer. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prognostic value of IL-6 and its immunotherapeutic features using a population-based pan-cancer analysis and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis.

Patients and Methods

In the cohort study, 540 patients were included to explore the prognostic value of serum IL-6 levels in cancer. The differential expression of IL-6 and its association with survival and immune cell infiltration were investigated using the TCGA database. The SangerBox database was used to analyze the correlation between IL-6 expression and immune checkpoint (ICP), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancer. Genomic changes in the IL-6 levels were studied using the c-BioPortal database. The IL-6 co-expression network was analyzed using the LinkedOmics database.

Results

Serum IL-6 is an independent prognostic factor for cancer, especially gastrointestinal cancers. Compared to other serum inflammatory markers, serum IL-6 is an optimal biomarker for cancer prognosis. A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis showed higher IL-6 expression in human cancers than in the paired normal tissues. The IL-6 expression is closely associated with prognosis, ICP, TMB, and MSI. In addition, it is also strongly correlated with tumor-infiltrating cells. IL-6 levels are significantly associated with the prognosis of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). The IL-6 co-expression network in STAD is mainly involved in regulating inflammatory pathways and cell communication.

Conclusion

IL-6 is a potential prognostic and immune biomarker of cancer. Compared to other clinical inflammatory biomarkers, IL-6 demonstrates superior prognostic efficacy.

CircFAM64A(3) promoted bladder cancer proliferation and inhibited CD8 + T cell via sponging to miR-149-5p and activated IL-6/JAK/STAT pathway

BACKGROUND

The significance of circular RNA in tumour biology is increasingly recognized. This study aims to explore the value of circFAM64A(3) in the proliferation and immune evasion of bladder cancer.

METHODS

Bioinformatics were used to identify the differentially expressed circular RNAs in bladder cancer. Proliferation assay, co-culture assay and flow cytometry assay confirmed the oncogenic and immune-evading characteristics of circFAM64A(3) in bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. Further, mRNA sequencing, RNA pulldown, and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the downstream targets and pathways regulated by circFAM64A(3). CUT&TAG assay confirmed HIF-1α promoted the expression of circFAM64A(3) under hypoxic.

RESULTS

CircFAM64A(3) was significantly high expression in bladder cancer tissues and related with poor prognosis of bladder cancer patients. CircFAM64A(3) promoted bladder cancer cells proliferation and immune evasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circFAM64A(3) acted as a sponge to miR-149-5p and reduced the binding of miR-149-5p to IL-6 3'-UTR. Then, IL-6 activated the JAK/STAT pathway and caused an increase of PD-L1. Under hypoxic environment, HIF-1α bound to the promoter of FAM64A and promoted circFAM64A(3) transcription.

CONCLUSION

HIF-1α/circFAM64A(3)/miR-149-5p/IL-6 axis was an important regulatory pathway in bladder cancer proliferation and immune evasion. CircFAM64A(3) may serve as a novel and potentially valuable biological target.

Anti-IL-6R Ab tocilizumab to treat paraneoplastic inflammatory syndrome of solid cancers

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic inflammatory syndrome (PIS) with fever and biological inflammation is a rare but severe condition often caused by the systemic production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) by cancer cells. We report on the efficacy of tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, in 35 patients with severe PIS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All 35 patients with solid cancers (sarcomas, lung carcinoma, and breast carcinoma) diagnosed with a PIS from 2019 to 2024 treated with tocilizumab were analyzed in this single-center study (health authorities' approval R201-004-478). Patients' characteristics and clinical and biological effects of tocilizumab administration are presented.

RESULTS

Thirty-five (97%) patients had paraneoplastic fever. The median performance status (PS) was 2 (range 1-4). Forty percent of patients had lost 10% of body weight. All had increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (median 212 mg/l), and 74% and 48% had increased polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) and platelet counts, respectively. Ninety-four percent had inflammatory anemia. Tocilizumab was given once in 23 (66%) patients and more than once in 12 patients. All patients experienced resolution of paraneoplastic fever, and 11 (31%) had improved PS. CRP, PMN, and platelet count decreases were observed in 100%, 85%, and 94% of patients, respectively. Seventy-seven percent of patients had increased hemoglobin levels. CRP and inflammatory symptoms often relapsed 4-6 weeks after tocilizumab in patients receiving only one injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Tocilizumab is an efficient treatment for severe PIS providing significant improvement in clinical symptoms and biological abnormalities.

SHP-1 alleviates acute liver injury caused by Escherichia coli sepsis through negatively regulating the canonical and non-canonical NFκB signaling pathways

SHP-1, as a protein tyrosine phosphatase, plays a key role in inflammation-related diseases. However, its function and regulatory mechanism in the imbalance of inflammatory response and acute liver injury during sepsis are still unknown. Herein, we constructed a murine model of Escherichia coli (E. coli) sepsis and demonstrated the function and novel mechanism of SHP-1 in sepsis. Overexpression of SHP-1 significantly reduced the mortality rate of mice and alleviated the histopathological deterioration of liver. In addition, it inhibited the expression and release of pro-inflammatory mediators in liver tissue and serum, but upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory molecules. Silencing SHP-1 exhibited the completely opposite effects. Furthermore, the transcriptome data of mice liver showed that SHP-1 suppressed the progression of sepsis by negatively regulating the activation of multiple inflammation-related signaling pathways. More importantly, we fully revealed the regulation mechanism of SHP-1 on both canonical and non-canonical nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) signaling pathways during sepsis for the first time. SHP-1 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p50, while p65 inhibition was mainly achieved by inhibiting its transcription and translation levels. Meanwhile, SHP-1 inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p52, thereby inhibiting the activation of non-canonical NFκB signaling pathways. In summary, SHP-1 negatively regulated canonical and non-canonical NFκB signaling pathways, thereby blocking the occurrence of excessive inflammatory response and acute liver injury caused by E. coli sepsis. Our findings systematically elucidate the role and mechanism of SHP-1 during sepsis, providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of inflammation and immune-related diseases.

Tocilizumab in combination with corticosteroids: potential for managing cancer cachexia with systemic hyperinflammation

Background

Cachexia is a leading cause of death among individuals with advanced cancer, yet effective pharmacological treatments are lacking. In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab for the treatment of cancer cachexia accompanied by systemic hyperinflammation.

Methods

Data were collected from 20 patients treated with tocilizumab and a control group of 20 patients matched for age, sex, and comorbidities. Both groups received corticosteroids. In the tocilizumab treatment group, patients received a single dose of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg, maximum 800 mg) in combination with corticosteroids. Weight, body mass index, liver metastasis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, patient-generated subjective global assessments, the Anorexia/Cachexia Subscale of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy, handgrip strength, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, prealbumin, and albumin levels were recorded in both groups.

Results

Tocilizumab treatment favorably influenced the levels of patient biomarkers (p<0.05), ameliorated systemic inflammation, and demonstrated enhanced clinical short-term efficacy compared to the control group, including rates of symptomatic relief (60% vs. 20%, p = 0.024), improvement of serum PAB and ALB (70% vs. 25%, p = 0.004), weight gain >2% (45% vs. 15%, p = 0.038), and improvement of grip strength and 6-m walk speed (p<0.05). Treatment with tocilizumab was generally safe, with no observed increase in infection rates (10% vs. 15%, p = 0.633) or intensive care unit admissions (10% vs. 25%, p = 0.405), and was more favorable for restarting antitumor therapy (70% vs. 35%, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Tocilizumab, in combination with corticosteroids, is favorable for alleviating cancer cachexia with systemic hyperinflammation, despite the small sample size. Thus, this combination holds great potential as a novel strategy for treating cancer cachexia with systemic hyperinflammation.

An Integrated Approach Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Reveal the Therapeutic Mechanism of Weifuchun in Treating Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Weifuchun (WFC), a Chinese herbal prescription comprising red ginseng, Isodon amethystoides, and Fructus aurantii, is widely used in China for various chronic stomach disorders. However, its therapeutic role and mechanisms in treating GC remain unexplored. In a randomized, controlled, single-blind trial involving postoperative stages II and III GC patients, we compared adjuvant chemotherapy plus WFC (chemo plus WFC group) to adjuvant chemotherapy alone (chemo group) over 6 months. We assessed recurrence and metastasis rates and used systematic pharmacology to predict WFC's active components, screen target genes, and construct network interaction maps, were validated through in vitro experiments. The combined therapy significantly reduced 2-year recurrence and metastasis rates. We identified 67 active ingredients, 211 drug target proteins, 1539 disease targets, 105 shared targets, and 188 signaling pathways associated with WFC. WFC impacted cell apoptosis, proliferation, and the inflammatory response, with top tumor-related signaling pathways involving 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-B (NFKB), and apoptosis. In vitro, WFC inhibited proliferation and migration while inducing apoptosis in GC cells, reduced VEGFA, TNFa, and IL6 expressions. Immunocytochemistry showed increased p-AMPK staining, and molecular analysis revealed decreased NFKB and phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) levels, increased p-AMPK and BAX protein levels in WFC-treated cells, effects reversed by Compound C. WFC's antitumor effects involve AMPK-dependent ERK1/2 and NFKB pathways, regulating proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in GC cells.

Lipids and adipocytes involvement in tumor progression with a focus on obesity and diet

The adipose tissue is a complex organ that can play endocrine, metabolic, and immune regulatory roles in cancer. In particular, adipocytes provide metabolic substrates for cancer cell proliferation and produce signaling molecules that can stimulate cell adhesion, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Cancer cells, in turn, can reprogram adipocytes towards a more inflammatory state, resulting in a vicious cycle that fuels tumor growth and evolution. These mechanisms are enhanced in obesity, which is associated with the risk of developing certain tumors. Diet, an exogenous source of lipids with pro- or anti-inflammatory functions, has also been connected to cancer risk. This review analyzes how adipocytes and lipids are involved in tumor development and progression, focusing on the relationship between obesity and cancer. In addition, we discuss how diets with varying lipid intakes can affect the disease outcomes. Finally, we introduce novel metabolism-targeted treatments and adipocyte-based therapies in oncology.

High C-reactive protein is associated with the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific biomarker for systemic inflammatory response and is linked to the prognosis of breast cancer (BC); however, few studies have investigated the correlation between CRP and the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment for BC. We recruited 177 patients with BC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our clinical trial. the median CRP level (0.24 mg/L), patients were categorized into high and low groups. We examined the relationship between CRP levels and various clinicopathological factors, including pathological complete response (pCR), using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Furthermore, we evaluated the predictive capacity of CRP for different molecular subtypes by constructing receiver operating characteristic curves. To identify the independent variables associated with pCR, we conducted logistic regression multivariate analysis. No association was found between C-reactive levels at baseline and pCR rates. CRP level was significantly associated with higher body mass index, and the high CRP group had more overweight patients (47.06% vs. 16.30%, P < .001). In hormone receptor-positive patients, the high CRP group demonstrated a significantly higher pCR rate (OR = 4.115, 95% CI: 1.481-11.36, P = .009). The areas under the curve was 0.670 (95% CI: 0.550-0.792, P < .001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the CRP level was a significant independent predictor of pCR (OR = 5.882, 95% CI: 1.470-28.57, P = .017). High CRP levels were found to be associated with a higher pCR rate, indicating their independent predictive value in determining the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in hormone receptor-positive BC patients.

Metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance in primary and metastatic breast cancer

Metabolic alterations, a hallmark of cancer, enable tumor cells to adapt to their environment by modulating glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, which fuels rapid growth and contributes to treatment resistance. In primary breast cancer, metabolic shifts such as the Warburg effect and enhanced lipid synthesis are closely linked to chemotherapy failure. Similarly, metastatic lesions often display distinct metabolic profiles that not only sustain tumor growth but also confer resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapies. The review emphasizes two major aspects: the mechanisms driving metabolic resistance in both primary and metastatic breast cancer, and how the unique metabolic environments in metastatic sites further complicate treatment. By targeting distinct metabolic vulnerabilities at both the primary and metastatic stages, new strategies could improve the efficacy of existing therapies and provide better outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Metabolic pathways, genomic alterations, and post-translational modifications in pulmonary hypertension and cancer as therapeutic targets and biomarkers

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy, significantly increasing mortality rates. This study aims to clarify PH-specific metabolites and their impact on genomic and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in cancer, evaluating DHA and EPA's therapeutic potential to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation.

Methods

Data from 289,365 individuals were analyzed using Mendelian randomization to examine 1,400 metabolites' causal roles in PH. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of DHA and EPA were tested in RAW 264.7 macrophages and cancer cell lines (A549, HCT116, HepG2, LNCaP). Genomic features like CNVs, DNA methylation, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and PTMs were analyzed. DHA and EPA's effects on ROS production and cancer cell proliferation were assessed.

Results

We identified 57 metabolites associated with PH risk and examined key tumor-related pathways through promoter methylation analysis. DHA and EPA significantly reduced ROS levels and inflammatory markers in macrophages, inhibited the proliferation of various cancer cell lines, and decreased nuclear translocation of SUMOylated proteins during oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. These findings suggest a potential anticancer role through the modulation of stress-related nuclear signaling, as well as a regulatory function on cellular PTMs.

Conclusion

This study elucidates metabolic and PTM changes in PH and cancer, indicating DHA and EPA's role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings support targeting these pathways for early biomarkers and therapies, potentially improving disease management and patient outcomes.

NF-κB role on tumor proliferation, migration, invasion and immune escape

Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is a nuclear transcription factor that plays a key factor in promoting inflammation, which can lead to the development of cancer in a long-lasting inflammatory environment. The activation of NF-κB is essential in the initial phases of tumor development and progression, occurring in both pre-malignant cells and cells in the microenvironment such as phagocytes, T cells, and B cells. In addition to stimulating angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting the growth of tumor cells, NF-κB activation also causes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumor immune evasion. Therapeutic strategies that focus on immune checkpoint molecules have revolutionized cancer treatment by enabling the immune system to activate immunological responses against tumor cells. This review focused on understanding the NF-κB signaling pathway in the context of cancer.

Transcriptional regulation of DLGAP5 by AR suppresses p53 signaling and inhibits CD8+T cell infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging subtype with unclear biological mechanisms. Recently, the transcription factor androgen receptor (AR) and its regulation of the DLGAP5 gene have gained attention in TNBC pathogenesis. In this study, we found a positive correlation between high AR expression and TNBC cell proliferation and growth. Furthermore, we confirmed DLGAP5 as a critical downstream regulator of AR with high expression in TNBC tissues. Knockdown of DLGAP5 significantly inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. AR was observed to directly bind to the DLGAP5 promoter, enhancing its transcriptional activity and suppressing the activation of the p53 signaling pathway. In vivo experiments further validated that downregulation of AR or DLGAP5 inhibited tumor growth and enhanced CD8+T cell infiltration. This study highlights the crucial roles of AR and DLGAP5 in TNBC growth and immune cell infiltration. Taken together, AR inhibits the p53 signaling pathway by promoting DLGAP5 expression, thereby impacting CD8+T cell infiltration in TNBC.

Using multi-omics to explore the genetic causal relationship between colorectal cancer and heart failure in gastrointestinal tumors

Background

Heart failure (HF) and colorectal cancer are significant public health concerns with substantial morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have indicated a close association between HF and various tumors, including colorectal cancer. Further understanding the potential causal relationship between them could provide insights into their shared pathophysiological mechanisms and inform strategies for prevention and treatment.

Methods

This study employed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach using genetic variants from large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as instrumental variables (IVs). The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was employed for the MR analysis. Meta-analyses of IVW results from discovery and validation cohorts were performed to enhance the power of detecting causal effects. Sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity analysis and tests for horizontal pleiotropy, were conducted to test the robustness of the conclusions.

Results

Results from the discovery cohort suggest HF is associated with an approximately 30% increased risk of colorectal cancer (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03-1.69, P=0.025), although this finding did not reach statistical significance in the validation cohort (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.97-1.46, P=0.090). However, meta-analysis supports HF as a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer (Pooled OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.25, P=0.007). Reverse MR analysis found no evidence of colorectal cancer increasing HF risk (Pooled OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99-1.07, P=0.121). Sensitivity analyses (all P>0.05) indicate robustness against heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusion

This comprehensive bidirectional MR study provides genetic evidence supporting a causal link between HF and colorectal cancer. The insights gained enhance understanding of their interconnectedness and may guide future research and clinical practices aimed at mitigating their risks through targeted interventions.

The role of interleukin-6 family cytokines in cancer cachexia

Cachexia is a wasting syndrome that manifests in more than half of all cancer patients. Cancer-associated cachexia negatively influences the survival of patients and their quality of life. It is characterized by a rapid loss of adipose and skeletal muscle tissues, which is partly mediated by inflammatory cytokines. Here, we explored the crucial roles of interleukin-6 (IL-6) family cytokines, including IL-6, leukemia inhibitory factor, and oncostatin M, in the development of cancer cachexia. These cytokines have been shown to exacerbate cachexia by promoting the wasting of adipose and muscle tissues, activating mechanisms that enhance lipolysis and proteolysis. Overlapping effects of the IL-6 family cytokines depend on janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling. We argue that the blockade of these cytokine pathways individually may fail due to redundancy and future therapeutic approaches should target common downstream elements to yield effective clinical outcomes.

Integrated omics characterization reveals reduced cancer indicators and elevated inflammatory factors after thermal ablation in non-small cell lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Aside from causing an immediate direct tumour cell injury, the effects of thermal ablation on the internal microenvironment are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of thermal ablation on the plasma internal environment in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

128 plasma samples were collected from 48 NSCLC (pre [LC] and after thermal ablation [LC-T]) patients and 32 healthy controls (HCs). Olink proteomics and metabolomics were utilized to construct an integrated landscape of the cancer-related immune and inflammatory responses after ablation.

RESULTS

Compared with HCs, LC patients exhibited 58 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 479 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), which might participate in tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, 75 DEPs were identified among the HC, LC, and LC-T groups. Forty-eight highly expressed DEPs (eg, programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1]) in the LC group were found to be downregulated after thermal ablation. These DEPs had significant impacts on pathways such as angiogenesis, immune checkpoint blockade, and pro-tumour chemotaxis. Metabolites involved in tumour cell survival were associated with these proteins at the expression and functional levels. In contrast, 19 elevated proteins (eg, interleukin [IL]-6) were identified after thermal ablation. These proteins were mainly associated with inflammatory response pathways (NF-κB signalling and tumour necrosis factor signalling) and immune cell activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Thermal ablation-induced changes in the host plasma microenvironment contribute to anti-tumour immunity in NSCLC, offering new insights into tumour ablation combined with immunotherapy. Trial registration This study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html ). ID: ChiCTR2300076517. Registration Date: 2023-10-11.

CircUBA2 promotes the cancer stem cell-like properties of gastric cancer through upregulating STC1 via sponging miR-144-5p

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical factors that limit the effectiveness of gastric cancer (GC) therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are confirmed as important regulators of many cancers. However, their role in regulating CSC-like properties of GC remains largely unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the role of circUBA2 in CSC maintenance and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We identified circUBA2 as an upregulated gene using circRNA microarray analysis. qRT-PCR was used to examine the circUBA2 levels in normal and GC tissues. In vitro and in vivo functional assays were performed to validate the role of circUBA2 in proliferation, migration, metastasis and CSC-like properties of GC cell. The relationship between circUBA2, miR-144-5p and STC1 was characterised using bioinformatics analysis, a dual fluorescence reporter system, FISH, and RIP assays.

RESULTS

CircUBA2 expression was significantly increased in GC tissues, and patients with GC with high circUBA2 expression had a poor prognosis. CircUBA2 enhances CSC-like properties of GC, thereby promoting cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Mechanistically, circUBA2 promoted GC malignancy and CSC-like properties by acting as a sponge for miR-144-5p to upregulate STC1 expression and further activate the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. More importantly, the ability of circUBA2 to enhance CSC-like properties was inhibited by tocilizumab, a humanised Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody. Thus, circUBA2 knockdown and tocilizumab synergistically inhibited CSC-like properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated the critical role of circUBA2 in regulating CSC-like properties in GC. CircUBA2 may be a promising prognostic biomarker for GC.

Olink Proteomics-Based Exploration of Immuno-Oncology-Related Biomarkers Leading to Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression

INTRODUCTION

It is crucial to investigate the distinct proteins that contribute to the advancement of lung cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed the expression levels of 92 immuno-oncology-related proteins in 96 pairs of lung adenocarcinoma tissue samples using Olink proteomics. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were successively screened in tumor and paraneoplastic groups, early and intermediate-late groups by a nonparametric rank sum test, and the distribution and expression levels of DEPs were determined by volcano and heat maps, etc., and the area under the curve was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 24 DEPs were identified in comparisons between tumor and paracancerous tissues. Among them, interleukin-8 (IL8) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) as potential markers for distinguishing tumor tissues. Through further screening, it was found that interleukin-6 (IL6) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) may be able to lead to tumor progression through the JaK-STAT signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Interestingly, our study revealed a down-regulation of IL6 and VEGFA in tumor tissues compared to paracancerous tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

IL8 + CCL20 (AUC: 0.7056) have the potential to differentiate tumor tissue from paracancerous tissue; IL6 + VEGFA (AUC: 0.7531) are important protein markers potentially responsible for tumor progression.

The "Heater" of "Cold" Tumors-Blocking IL-6

The resolution of inflammation is not simply the end of the inflammatory response but rather a complex process that involves various cells, inflammatory factors, and specialized proresolving mediators following the occurrence of inflammation. Once inflammation cannot be cleared by the body, malignant tumors may be induced. Among them, IL-6, as an immunosuppressive factor, activates a variety of signal transduction pathways and induces tumorigenesis. Monitoring IL-6 can be used for the diagnosis, efficacy evaluation and prognosis of tumor patients. In terms of treatment, improving the efficacy of targeted and immunotherapy remains a major challenge. Blocking IL-6 and its mediated signaling pathways can regulate the tumor immune microenvironment and enhance immunotherapy responses by activating immune cells. Even transform "cold" tumors that are difficult to respond to immunotherapy into immunogenic "hot" tumors, acting as a "heater" for "cold" tumors, restarting the tumor immune cycle, and reducing immunotherapy-related toxic reactions and drug resistance. In clinical practice, the combined application of IL-6 inhibition with targeted therapy and immunotherapy may produce synergistic results. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials are imperative to further validate the safety and efficacy of this therapeutic approach.

Chemokines and Cytokines in Immunotherapy of Melanoma and Other Tumors: From Biomarkers to Therapeutic Targets

Chemokines and cytokines represent an emerging field of immunotherapy research. They are responsible for the crosstalk and chemoattraction of immune cells and tumor cells. For instance, CXCL9/10/11 chemoattract effector CD8+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment, making an argument for their promising role as biomarkers for a favorable outcome. The cytokine Interleukin-15 (IL-15) can promote the chemokine expression of CXCR3 ligands but also XCL1, contributing to an important DC-T cell interaction. Recruited cytotoxic T cells can be clonally expanded by IL-2. Delivering or inducing these chemokines and cytokines can result in tumor shrinkage and might synergize with immune checkpoint inhibition. In addition, blocking specific chemokine and cytokine receptors such as CCR2, CCR4 or Il-6R can reduce the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) or regulatory T cells (Tregs). Efforts to target these chemokines and cytokines have the potential to personalize cancer immunotherapy further and address patients that are not yet responsive because of immune cell exclusion. Targeting cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-15 is currently being evaluated in clinical trials in combination with immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The improved overall survival of melanoma patients might outweigh potential risks such as autoimmunity. However, off-target toxicity needs to be elucidated.

Mechanism of bufalin inhibition of colon cancer liver metastasis by regulating M2-type polarization of Kupffer cells induced by highly metastatic colon cancer cells

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer often have poor outcomes, primarily due to hepatic metastasis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells have the ability to secrete cytokines and other molecules that can remodel the tumor microenvironment, facilitating the spread of cancer to the liver. Kupffer cells (KCs), which are macrophages in the liver, can be polarized to M2 type, thereby promoting the expression of adhesion molecules that aid in tumor metastasis. Our research has shown that huachanshu (with bufalin as the main active monomer) can effectively inhibit CRC metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism still needs to be thoroughly investigated. We have observed that highly metastatic CRC cells have a greater ability to induce M2-type polarization of Kupffer cells, leading to enhanced metastasis. Interestingly, we have found that inhibiting the expression of IL-6, which is highly expressed in the serum, can reverse this phenomenon. Notably, bufalin has been shown to attenuate the M2-type polarization of Kupffer cells induced by highly metastatic Colorectal cancer (mCRC) cells and down-regulate IL-6 expression, ultimately inhibiting tumor metastasis. In this project, our aim is to study how high mCRC cells induce M2-type polarization and how bufalin, via the SRC-3/IL-6 pathway, can inhibit CRC metastasis. This research will provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the anti-CRC effect of bufalin.

A systematic review of microplastics emissions in kitchens: Understanding the links with diseases in daily life

The intensification of microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a formidable environmental challenge, with profound global implications. The pervasive presence of MPs across a multitude of environmental mediums, such as the atmosphere, soil, and oceans, extends to commonplace items, culminating in widespread human ingestion and accumulation via channels like food, water, and air. In the domestic realm, kitchens have become significant epicenters for MPs pollution. A plethora of kitchen utensils, encompassing coated non-stick pans, plastic cutting boards, and disposable utensils, are known to release substantial quantities of MPs particles in everyday use, which can then be ingested alongside food. This paper conducts a thorough examination of contemporary research addressing the release of MPs from kitchen utensils during usage and focuses on the health risks associated with MPs ingestion, as well as the myriad factors influencing the release of MPs in kitchen utensils. Leveraging the insights derived from this analysis, this paper proposes a series of strategic recommendations and measures targeted at mitigating the production of MPs in kitchen settings. These initiatives are designed not solely to diminish the release of MPs but also to enhance public awareness regarding this pressing environmental concern. By adopting more informed practices in kitchens, we can significantly contribute to the reduction of the environmental burden of MPs pollution, thus safeguarding both human health and the ecological system.

Unveiling the role of interleukin-6 in pancreatic cancer occurrence and progression

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early and progresses rapidly. Researchers have found that a cytokine called Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is involved in the entire course of pancreatic cancer, promoting its occurrence and development. From the earliest stages of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells and the appearance of tumor cachexia, IL-6 drives oncogenic signal transduction pathways and immune escape that accelerate disease progression. IL-6 is considered a biomarker for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a potential target for treatment. IL-6 antibodies are currently being explored as a hot topic in oncology. This article aims to systematically explain how IL-6 induces the deterioration of normal pancreatic cells, with the goal of finding a breakthrough in pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.

To explore the mechanism of Yigong San anti-gastric cancer and immune regulation

BACKGROUND

Yigong San (YGS) is a representative prescription for the treatment of digestive disorders, which has been used in clinic for more than 1000 years. However, the mechanism of its anti-gastric cancer and regulate immunity are still remains unclear.

AIM

To explore the mechanism of YGS anti-gastric cancer and immune regulation.

METHODS

Firstly, collect the active ingredients and targets of YGS, and the differentially expressed genes of gastric cancer. Secondly, constructed a protein-protein interaction network between the targets of drugs and diseases, and screened hub genes. Then the clinical relevance, mutation and repair, tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity of the hub gene were analyzed. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the binding ability of YGS active ingredient and hub genes.

RESULTS

Firstly, obtained 55 common targets of gastric cancer and YGS. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes screened the microtubule-associated protein kinase signaling axis as the key pathway and IL6, EGFR, MMP2, MMP9 and TGFB1 as the hub genes. The 5 hub genes were involved in gastric carcinogenesis, staging, typing and prognosis, and their mutations promote gastric cancer progression. Finally, molecular docking results confirmed that the components of YGS can effectively bind to therapeutic targets.

CONCLUSION

YGS has the effect of anti-gastric cancer and immune regulation.

HOXB5 promotes the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway

Objective

To investigate the involvement of the homeobox gene B5 (HOXB5) in the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma.

Methods

The expression of HOXB5 in human osteosarcoma tissues and its correlation with clinical indicators were investigated using bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical labelling. Human osteosarcoma cells (HOS, MG63, U2OS, and Saos-2) and normal human osteoblasts (hFOB1.19) were cultivated. The expression of HOXB5 in these cells was detected using western blotting (WB) and RT‒PCR. Two cell lines exhibiting elevated HOXB5 expression were chosen and divided into three groups: the blank group (mock), control group (control) and transfection group (shHOXB5). The transfection group was infected with lentivirus expressing shRNAs targeting HOXB5. The transfection efficiency was detected by WB. Cell proliferation suppression was measured by CCK-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays; the percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry; and cell migration and invasion were detected via the Transwell chamber test. WB was utilized to determine the protein expression of genes linked to metastasis (MMP2, MMP9), apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2), and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway (JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3).

Results

In osteosarcoma tissues, HOXB5 expression was elevated and strongly correlated with distant metastasis. Silencing HOXB5 reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells; prevented the progression and metastasis of tumours in tumour-bearing nude mice; and reduced the activation of key proteins in the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway.

Conclusion

Through the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, HOXB5 plays a crucial role in the malignant progression of osteosarcoma and is a promising target for osteosarcoma treatment.

Inflammation and cancer: friend or foe?

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of pathologies like neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, since tumor development and chronic inflammation are linked, sharing common signaling pathways. At least 20% of breast and colorectal cancers are associated with chronic inflammation triggered by infections, irritants, or autoimmune diseases. Obesity, chronic inflammation, and cancer interconnection underscore the importance of population-based interventions in maintaining healthy body weight, to disrupt this axis. Given that the dietary inflammatory index is correlated with an increased risk of cancer, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet supplemented with nutraceuticals may be useful for cancer prevention. Natural products and their derivatives offer promising antitumor activity with favorable adverse effect profiles; however, the development of natural bioactive drugs is challenging due to their variability and complexity, requiring rigorous research processes. It has been shown that combining anti-inflammatory products, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and statins, with plant-derived products demonstrate clinical utility as accessible adjuvants to traditional therapeutic approaches, with known safety profiles. Pharmacological approaches targeting multiple proteins involved in inflammation and cancer pathogenesis emerge as a particularly promising option. Given the systemic and multifactorial nature of inflammation, comprehensive strategies are essential for long term success in cancer therapy. To gain insights into carcinogenic phenomena and discover diagnostic or clinically relevant biomarkers, is pivotal to understand genetic variability, environmental exposure, dietary habits, and TME composition, to establish therapeutic approaches based on molecular and genetic analysis. Furthermore, the use of endocannabinoid, cannabinoid, and prostamide-type compounds as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers requires further investigation. This review aims to elucidate the role of specific etiological agents and mediators contributing to persistent inflammatory reactions in tumor development. It explores potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for cost-effective approaches to address cancer-associated inflammation.

Targeting interleukin-6 as a treatment approach for peritoneal carcinomatosis

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a complex manifestation of abdominal cancers, with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recent work identifying high concentrations of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its soluble receptor (sIL-6-Rα) in the peritoneal cavity of patients with PC has highlighted this pathway as an emerging potential therapeutic target. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the potential role of IL-6 in the development and progression of PC. We discuss mechansims by which the IL-6 pathway may contribute to peritoneal tumor dissemination, mesothelial adhesion and invasion, stromal invasion and proliferation, and immune response modulation. Finally, we review the prospects for targeting the IL-6 pathway in the treatment of PC, focusing on common sites of origin, including ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal and appendiceal cancer, and mesothelioma.

Toxoplasma gondii suppresses proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by regulating their transcriptome

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has shown anticancer activity in breast cancer mouse models, and exerted beneficial effect on the survival of breast cancer patients, but the mechanism was unclear.

METHODS

The effect of tachyzoites of T. gondii (RH and ME49 strains) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells) proliferation and migration was assessed using cell growth curve and wound healing assays. Dual RNA-seq was performed for T. gondii-infected and non-infected cells to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Protein-Protein Interaction Networks analysis (PPI) were performed to explore the related signaling pathway and hub genes. Hub genes were validated using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database, and Pathogen Host Interaction (PHI-base) database. The results were verified by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

The tachyzoites of T. gondii decreased the expression of Ki67 and increased the expression of E-cadherin, resulting in suppressing the proliferation and migration of infected human breast cancer cells. The inhibitory effect of T. gondii on breast cancer cells showed a significant dose-response relationship. Compared with the control group, 2321 genes were transcriptionally regulated in MCF-7 cells infected with T. gondii, while 169 genes were transcriptionally regulated in infected MDA-MB-231 cells. Among these genes, 698 genes in infected MCF-7 cells and 67 genes in infected MDA-MB-231 cells were validated by the publicly available database. GO and KEGG analyses suggested that several pathways were involved in anticancer function of T. gondii, such as ribosome, interleukin-17 signaling, coronavirus disease pathway, and breast cancer pathway. BRCA1, MYC and IL-6 were identified as the top three hub genes in infected-breast cancer cells based on the connectivity of PPI analysis. In addition, after interacting with breast cancer cells, the expression of ROP16 and ROP18 in T. gondii increased, while the expression of crt, TgIST, GRA15, GRA24 and MIC13 decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

T. gondii transcriptionally regulates several signaling pathways by altering the hub genes such as BRCA1, MYC and IL-6, which can inhibit the breast tumor growth and migration, hinting at a potential therapeutic strategy.

Ursolic acid alleviates cancer cachexia by inhibiting STAT3 signaling pathways in C2C12 myotube and CT26 tumor-bearing mouse model

Cancer cachexia, a multi-organ disorder resulting from tumor and immune system interactions, prominently features muscle wasting and affects the survival of patients with cancer. Ursolic acid (UA) is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, its impact on cancer cachexia remains unexplored. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of UA in addressing muscle atrophy and organ dysfunction in cancer cachexia and reveal the mechanisms involved. UA dose-dependently ameliorated C2C12 myotube atrophy. Mechanistically, it inhibited the expression of muscle-specific RING finger containing protein 1 (MURF1) and the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and upregulated the mRNA or protein levels of myogenic differentiation antigen and myogenin in cultured C2C12 myotubes treated with conditioned medium. In vivo, UA protected CT26 tumor-bearing mice against loss of body weight, as well as increased skeletal muscle and epididymal fat without affecting tumor growth. Additionally, UA increased food intake in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis-α and interleukin 6 was significantly downregulated in the intestine, gastrocnemius, and heart tissues following 38 d UA administration. UA treatment reversed the levels of myocardial function indicators, including creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, car-dial troponin T, and glutathione. Finally, UA treatment significantly inhibited the expression of MURF1, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-B p65, and STAT3 in the gastrocnemius muscle and heart tissues of cachexic mice. Our findings suggest that UA is a promising natural compound for developing dietary supplements for cancer cachexia therapy owing to its anti-catabolic effects.

RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Altered Expression of Cell Adhesion-Related Genes Following PZR Knockout in Lung Cancer Cells

Protein zero related (PZR) serves as a substrate and anchor protein for SHP-2, the product of the proto-oncogene PTPN11 that is frequently mutated in cancers. The expression level of PZR is elevated in various cancers, which is correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. The role of PZR in lung cancer is not fully studied. To investigate how PZR affects signaling pathways involved in LUAD development, we utilized the CRISPR technology to knock out PZR expression in SPC-A1 lung adenocarcinoma cells and then conducted RNA sequencing to profile the transcriptome. Our results showed that 226 genes exhibited differential expressions in PZR-knockout SPC-A1 cells vs wild-type cells. Many of the genes encode proteins involved in cell adhesion, migration, actin cytoskeleton organization, and regulation of cell shape. Furthermore, our experimental data showed that PZR-knockout SPC-A1 cells displayed faster attachment to tissue culture dishes and slower detachment from the dishes upon EDTA treatment. The data suggest an important role of PZR in cell-matrix interaction and may provide new insights into the signaling events that regulate cancer development.

Role of C-reactive protein, IL-6, and D-dimers in prediction of severity of coronavirus disease 2019: A pilot study

Background

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents numerous obstacles for healthcare professionals. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the role of serum biomarkers like- C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and D-dimers in the severity of COVID-19 infection.

Methodology

A cross-sectional, observational retrospective pilot study was conducted in Udaipur, Rajasthan, wherein data was collected from 250 subjects, out of which, data of 100 subjects were included as per the inclusion criteria. The data was recorded retrospectively among the health professionals via Google Forms in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Results

There were 1 (1%), 3 (3%), 31 (31%) and 65 (65%) participants with minor elevation (0.3-1.0), moderate elevation (1-10), marked elevation (10-50) and severe elevation (>50) of CRP respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically highly significant with a significantly higher number of study participants with a severe elevation of CRP levels (χ2 = 107.84, P < 0.001). The results showed that there was a significant difference between the groups with IL6 in 0-7 range while 96 (96%) study participants had >7 IL6, and the difference was statistically highly significant (2 = 84.640, P 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the existing body of research indicates a discernible correlation between COVID-19 infection and the fluctuation of biomarker levels. This supplement has the potential to be utilised in clinical practice as a means of informing treatment decisions and determining the necessity of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Differential cytokine expression in gastric tissues highlights helicobacter pylori's role in gastritis

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), known for causing gastric inflammation, gastritis and gastric cancer, prompted our study to investigate the differential expression of cytokines in gastric tissues, which is crucial for understanding H. pylori infection and its potential progression to gastric cancer. Focusing on Il-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α, we analysed gene and protein levels to differentiate between H. pylori-infected and non-infected gastritis. We utilised real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for gene quantification, immunohistochemical staining, and ELISA for protein measurement. Gastric samples from patients with gastritis were divided into three groups: (1) non-gastritis (N-group) group, (2) gastritis without H. pylori infection (G-group), and (3) gastritis with H. pylori infection (GH-group), each consisting of 8 samples. Our findings revealed a statistically significant variation in cytokine expression. Generally, cytokine levels were higher in gastritis, but in H. pylori-infected gastritis, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were lower compared to H. pylori-independent gastritis, while IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were higher. This distinct cytokine expression pattern in H. pylori-infected gastritis underscores a unique inflammatory response, providing deeper insights into its pathogenesis.

Investigation of the causal relationship between Interleukin-6 signaling and gastrointestinal tract cancers: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies indicate that interleukin-6(IL-6) has been associated with gastrointestinal tract cancers. However, the causal association is still confusing. Thus, we aimed to putative the causality between IL-6 signaling and gastrointestinal tract cancers.

METHODS

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal effects. Two groups of IL-6 signaling-related single nucleotide polymorphisms were chosen from two Genome-wide association studies. Summary-level data for gastrointestinal tract cancers including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, were obtained from the FinnGen consortium and UK Biobank study. We also performed survival analysis to explore the prognostic value of IL-6 in gastrointestinal tract cancers.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted plasma sIL6R level, which inhibits IL-6 Signaling, was associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer in FinnGen. In the combined analysis of the two sources, genetically predicted sIL6R was associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 0.943, 95%CI: 0.904,0.983, p = 0.006). Survival analysis results indicated the prognostic value of IL-6 in gastric cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These results present evidence indicating that genetically-determined reduced IL-6 signaling lowers the risk of gastric cancer, which may provide potential prevention and therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer. Additionally, IL-6 may be a prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.

Diagnostic accuracy of interleukin-6 in multiple diseases: An umbrella review of meta-analyses

Objective

This review aims to conduct a comprehensive study of the diagnostic accuracy of interleukin-6 (IL-6) for multiple diseases by utilizing existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Methods

We performed a thorough search of Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to April 2023 to gather meta-analyses that investigate the diagnostic accuracy of IL-6. To assess the methodological quality of the studies, we employed the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria.

Results

We included 34 meta-analyses out of the 3024 articles retrieved from the search. These meta-analyses covered 9 categories of diseases of the International Classification of Diseases-11. Studies rated as "Critically Low" or "Very Low" in the quality assessment process were excluded, resulting in a total of 6 meta-analyses that encompassed sepsis, colorectal cancer, tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE), endometriosis, among others. Among these diseases, IL-6 demonstrated a relatively high diagnostic potential in accurately identifying TPE and endometriosis.

Conclusions

IL-6 exhibited favorable diagnostic accuracy across multiple diseases, suggesting its potential as a reliable diagnostic biomarker in the near future. Substantial evidence supported its high diagnostic accuracy, particularly in the cases of TPE and endometriosis.

Comparison of the gastrointestinal bacterial microbiota between dairy cows with and without mastitis

Mastitis causes significant losses in the global dairy industry, and the health of animals has been linked to their intestinal microbiota. To better understand the relationship between gastrointestinal microbiota and mastitis in dairy cows, we collected blood, rumen fluid, and fecal samples from 23 dairy cows, including 13 cows with mastitis and 10 healthy cows. Using ELISA kit and high-throughput sequencing, we found that cows with mastitis had higher concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1, and LPS than healthy cows (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in microbiota abundance or diversity (p > 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCOA) revealed significant differences in rumen microbial structure between the two groups (p < 0.05), with Moryella as the signature for rumen in cows with mastitis. In contrast, fecal microbial structure showed no significant differences (p > 0.05), with Aeriscardovia, Lactococcus, and Bacillus as the signature for feces in healthy cows. Furthermore, the results showed distinct microbial interaction patterns in the rumen and feces of cows with mastitis compared to healthy cows. Additionally, we observed correlations between the microbiota in both the rumen and feces of cows and blood inflammatory indicators. Our study sheds new light on the prevention of mastitis in dairy cows by highlighting the relationship between gastrointestinal microbiota and mastitis.

Effect of anti-COVID-19 drugs on patients with cancer

The clinical treatment of patients with cancer who are also diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been a challenging issue since the outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effects of commonly used drugs for treating COVID-19 in patients with cancer. Hence, this review aims to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of patients with cancer to minimize the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we also focused on the relationship between COVID-19, commonly used drugs for treating COVID-19, and cancer. We specifically investigated the effect of these drugs on tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The potential mechanisms of action of these drugs were discussed and evaluated. We found that most of these drugs showed inhibitory effects on tumors, and only in a few cases had cancer-promoting effects. Furthermore, inappropriate usage of these drugs may lead to irreversible kidney and heart damage. Finally, we have clarified the use of different drugs, which can provide useful guidance for the clinical treatment of cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19.